Obi-Wan Kenobi: Ewan McGregor Says It Was Hard To Find Kenobi’s Voice Again!

During the global press conference for Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ewan McGregor admitted that finding the voice of Kenobi again was a challenge.

With one week to go until Obi-Wan Kenobi unleashes the Force on Disney+, we got the opportunity to attend the global press conference featuring Ewan McGregor, Moses Ingram, and producer/director Deborah Chow. The trio was on hand to talk us through the process of bringing such a monumental series to the screen and opened up about their inspiration for the show. And taking center stage was Ewan Mcgregor. The actor is stepping back into the iconic role he retired in 2005, but could he find the voice of Obi-Wan again after all these years? The answer might surprise you.

RETURN OF THE JEDI

Getting back into character for any actor can be a daunting prospect. Especially in a franchise as vast as Star Wars. But when it came time for Ewan McGregor to slip back into the old Jedi robes, he discovered that finding Kenobi’s voice again was more difficult than he first thought. The actor recalled the first time he put the famous costume back on for a screen test. And it just so happened to be that long-rumored costume test on the set of The Mandalorian. But McGregor revealed that it was more just a chance to don the famous robes.

In fact, it was more of a casting audition for some of the new additions to the cast. And surrounded by legions of devoted Star Wars fans who had been cast as extras in Mando S1, McGregor walked out on set and opened his mouth. Only to hear the uncharacteristic voice of an upper-class English gentleman emerge! Far from the wise Jedi Master from 2005.

SIR ALEC GUINESS

It was a shocking moment. Especially for McGregor, who was quick to admit that once filming had concluded, he went home and took a deep dive back into the source material. To familiarize himself with the tones and mannerisms he’d mastered for the Prequels. Beginning with The Phantom Menace, he studied his performances to hone his vocals once again. And by the time he reached the end of Revenge Of The Sith, the spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi was reinvigorated. But it wasn’t until he finally reached the Original Trilogy and the definitive performances of Sir Alec Guinness, did everything finally come together.

HERO WORSHIP

McGregor was quick to admit that A New Hope is still his favorite Star Wars movie. Especially with its explosive introduction to the galaxy far, far away. But when it came time to digest the performances of Alec Guinness, McGregor admitted that he was blown away by him for the second time. And although Kenobi, in the series, will be portrayed as a solitary Jedi who has lost his faith and can’t use the Force; McGregor set his stall out to do Guinness justice. And revealed that the version of the character we will meet in the show is a great deal closer to the version from A New Hope. Even going as far as to admit that the script reads like Guinness’s interpretation. And that was a major draw for him committing to the script.

RELEASE

Although the trio wouldn’t be drawn on what we can expect from the show; they did share their excitement for the show’s release. Even revealing that most scenes were filmed to the sound of John Williams’ iconic music playing in the background. Their excitement is infectious. And with Ewan McGregor confirming that the show feels like one big movie, the series has become the biggest event of the summer. And that is an exciting prospect. Be sure to check back regularly for more from the global press conference.

Obi-Wan Kenobi will unleash the Force on Disney Plus on May 27.

Phil Roberts

Phil Roberts is the Owner, Daily Content Manager, and Editor-In-Chief of The Future of the Force. He is passionate about Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Follow him on Twitter where he uses the force and babbles frequently!